Description of Service
Job Search Preparation helps a person learn the most up-to-date skills to find a job.
Per Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) guidelines, Job Search Preparation (JSP) is utilized to assist a participant to successfully identify and respond to potential job opportunities. JSP is a component of Job Search Assistance; however, JSP may be provided outside of Job Search Assistance for participants who are preparing to conduct their own independent job search (i.e., not receiving Job Search Assistance). The service may include: how to locate job opportunities through the newspaper, online, job boards, and ‘cold calling’ techniques (e.g., telephone script); how to develop a resume and cover letter; how to follow up with employers after completing an application or interview; how to address potential barriers such as breaks in employment history, justice involvement, and the need for reasonable accommodations; how to handle difficult interview questions and mock interviews; and to teach participants the importance of and how to manage their online/social media. The outcome of the service should be that the participant has the skills and resources to maximize their independence in conducting their own job search.
What does the Service Look Like?
Your Capabilities Career Consultant will meet you either in the library, in their office, at your local Department of Job and Family Services, or virtually by using the computer for your initial meetings. Your strengths as well as any areas needing training will be identified to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to secure competitive employment. After meeting with the Career Consultant regularly, you will be ready to practice your new Job Seeking Skills with a mock interview. To prepare, you will review all the things you have learned – how to introduce yourself, how to answer questions, how to present yourself well, etc. The Career Consultant will focus on continuing to build your confidence to help you feel comfortable during the interview. Afterward, you and/or your Career Consultant will ask the interviewer for any feedback or recommendations they may have to help you improve on future interviews and ensure your success in gaining employment. If the mock interview is done virtually, with your permission, it can be recorded and reviewed together with your Career Consultant in order to further refine and polish your skills.
Benefits
For the Job Seeker: Job Search Preparation prepares a job seeker for their job search through comprehensive professional resume composition, training in completing job applications and interviewing, positive self-image building, mock or videotaped interviews, and job-related problem solving, which typically results in a more professional and successful job search.
For the Employer: Employers will benefit from being connected to qualified candidates who are prepared to put their best foot forward and represent their company professionally.
For the Funding Source: During Job Search Preparation, we can be proactive in the job search, heading off barriers that could eliminate potential opportunities in the future and preparing the person to participate to the best of their abilities during their job search.